HS FOOTBALL: Breaking down the playoff scenarios in District 2-5A

Published 4:52 pm, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Lee's Alex Bell makes a 25-yard reception against Midland High on Friday at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Lee's Alex Bell makes a 25-yard reception against Midland High on Friday at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Photo: JAMES DURBIN

HS FOOTBALL: Breaking down the playoff scenarios in District 2-5A

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With just three weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape in District 2-5A. Here's a brief look at the race so far.

Who has clinched?

So far, the only team to have clinched a playoff spot is San Angelo Central, despite the Bobcats having a worse record than district-leader Lee. Since the Bobcats have already beaten Midland High, Odessa Permian and Odessa High, and it’s impossible for Lee, Central and Abilene Cooper to all end up with a 5-3 record, the Bobcats are in the playoffs.

Who can clinch?

For Lee and Abilene Cooper, it’s simple. A win Friday gets the Rebels and Cougars into the postseason.

Lee fans should still be pulling for Cooper as a bit of insurance, though. If Lee should happen to suffer an upset loss against Amarillo Tascosa, the Rebels can still get into the postseason as long as Cooper defeats Permian.

But should Lee lose to Tascosa and Permian beats Cooper on Friday, Lee can still clinch as long as it beats Permian next week.

The final spot

Four teams are still in contention for the fourth and final playoff spot available in 2-5A.

Midland High, Permian and Odessa High are each currently tied for fourth in the district with a 2-3 record. Of the three, only Midland High and Odessa High control its fate.

If the Bulldogs or Bronchos win out, they’re in the postseason. The two play each other in an important matchup next week at Ratliff Stadium.

Permian needs to win out, but also needs both Midland High and Odessa High to drop two of its last three games to get in. The Panthers have already lost to the Bulldogs and Bronchos.

Abilene High still has a shot at the postseason as well. The Eagles must win their final two games against Odessa High and Midland High and then have Permian lose two of its last three to cement 2-5A’s final playoff spot.

District 1-5A

Anyone hoping to get an idea on which teams the 2-5A playoff qualifiers might meet in the opening round of the playoffs is out of luck.

Four teams -- Montwood, El Dorado, Coronado and Franklin -- are tied for first in the 5A El Paso district with a 3-1 record. Two more -- Americas and Eastwood -- are currently 2-2, leaving every playoff spot in the league up for grabs.

District 2-5A schools probably won’t have an absolute on who its first round opponent might be until after the final game in 1-5A is played.